Scott Niedermayer Retirement Announcement No Surprise

Though most expected the announcement of Scott Niedermayer’s retirement that came yesterday (as I was heading to Las Vegas for today’s NHL Awards), hockey fans are sorry to see him go. Most suspected Niedermayer only played last season because of the Olympics and his second gold medal with team Canada (this time as their Captain) surely made Niedermayer glad he didn’t retire the last time he considered the option. However, I’m sure most Ducks fans weren’t fully prepared for Niedermayer’s retirement and until the official announcement was made they had reason to keep hoping they’d see their captain back on the ice.

Niedermayer has two Olympic gold medals and won the Stanley Cup four times (three with New Jersey and once with Anaheim). He is the only player in hockey history to win two gold medals and four Stanley Cups. Niedermayer also received the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2007 as the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the 2004 James Norris Memorial Trophy, and a resume so full of NHL accomplishments, most players would love to achieve a small portion of them.

Along with players around the league, I’d like to congratulate Scott Niedermayer on his amazing NHL career and wish him the best in the future.